What is solar energy? Solar energy is energy that comes directly from the sun
. This energy comes to us in the form of radiation that travels through space from the sun to our planet. Solar energy is an abundant source of power that can be tapped to provide us with our needed electricity and heating.
Solar energy comes from a thermonuclear reaction that occurs in the sun. A thermonuclear reaction is simply heat that is the result of a nuclear reaction that occurs naturally in a star like our sun. A nuclear reaction also occurs when nuclear bombs are detonated and are a very powerful source of energy. In the case of our sun, this nuclear energy comes from the rapid combination of two hydrogen molecules to form one molecule of helium. This reaction occurs daily and is what fuels the sun and is the process by which we derive solar energy. When the reaction occurs, the heat and light travels through space in the form of radiation and is what we receive on Earth.
On a daily basis, our planet receives huge quantities of solar energy but around 30% of this is reflected back into outer space. The remaining energy is absorbed by our land, the sea and our atmosphere. This absorption causes a rise in the temperature, which in turn, is responsible for wind currents, sea currents and rain.
Solar energy is an integral part of our daily lives as this since this provides the energy we need in order to survive. Plants cannot live without the light of the sun which they utilize in a process called photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, we wouldnt have any sources of oxygen which we need in order to stay alive.
Solar energy can also be harnessed in order to generate electricity and heating. Solar panels convert the light from the sun into electric currents that can be used in to power household appliances. The heat from the sun can also be trapped in order to provide natural heating in houses found in more temperate climates. This heat can also be stored and used for water-heating purposes.